All Nations Community Church
The 4th of July is a great day to remember our heritage as a free nation. It is a time of celebration as an American. As Christians, we are not only Americans but Ambassadors, too! Ambassadors are called to be the influence rather than the influenced. How does one avoid the influence of the culture? We will look at Daniel 1:1-8 to seek answers.
UNDER GOD? (Daniel 1:1-8)
I pledge allegiance to the Flag
of the United States of America
and to the Republic
for which it stands
one Nation, Under God, indivisible
with liberty and justice for all.
WHAT ARE YOU UNDER?
Under Culture 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Under God
Daniel 1:1-7 ESV
Nebuchadnezzar's Strategy (Culture): Change the way they think. How?
- Changed location (vv. 1-4b).
- Change education—indoctrinating Babylonian thoughts (vv. 4c, 5)
- Changed language. (v. 4c)
- Change diet—Food dedicated to pagan gods. (v. 5)
- Changed names: (v. 7) – Original names related to Yahweh
Each name carried with it a testimony to the person of God.
- Daniel - God is my judge
- Hananiah - God is gracious
- Mishael - God is without equal
- Azariah - The Lord is my helper
When they arrived in Babylon, they were given new names.
- Daniel became Belteshazzar - Which means, "Bel will protect."
- Hananiah became Shadrach - Which means, "Inspiration of the Sun."
- Mishael became Meshach - Which means, "Belonging to Aku."
- Azariah became Abednego - Which means, "Servant of Nego."
New environment = new threats and influence
Influence: Think, Believe, Behave
Daniel 1:8 ESV
Daniel was resolved when facing pressures to conform! We must be resolved in our convictions when facing cultural pressures. Establishing personal "Predetermined Resolutions" can prove beneficial
TO LIVE UNDER GOD (Predetermined Resolutions)
1) ____________________________________________
2) ____________________________________________
3) ____________________________________________
1 Peter 5:6 ESV
Think It Over
· List these in order of how much they influence you: entertainment, work, money, faith, and approval of others. How do you feel about your list?
· What compromises are you making that cause you to gently drift away from living under God?
· Pastor Steve asked us to make some predetermined resolutions for living daily under God. What's on your list?